Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Corporate Olive and Brown Suede Flashback

Three days of work in a row, and phew, I am exhausted already. My work has ramped up substantially in the past week, and it's almost like old times. 

I stayed late at the office today to catch our annual "how we did" corporate meeting, so even though I am not onscreen at all during it, I thought I would dress business-y.
As the leaves turn, I find I'm drawn to autumnal hues, so after a summer of brights, I hope my more low-key colours don't throw you off. Don't worry, I still have lots of colour in my fall wardrobe!

  • Blazer - Helmut Lang, vintage thrifted; last worn and Flashbacked here in November 2020 with 
  • Blouse - Le Chateau, thrifted; last seen here in March with cream and green wool
  • Skirt - Ann Taylor, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in June to meet up with a friend
  • Shoes - Wonders Ayers, Fluevog; last seen here in March with tweed and Valentino
  • Coat (below) - Auckie Sanft, vintage 60s, vintage fair; last worn here in April

I try not to fill up my closet with jackets (it's tempting - I love them), but this beautiful Helmut Lang blazer always makes the cut.
I buttoned it when I was standing, although I undid the single button when seated at my desk. Pockets! I roll the sleeves on my blazers before I  put them on, to get them just so. 

The blouse underneath is just a cheapy one but as it has no sleeves, it's good for layering. 
I like the subtle floral of it - not too overtly girly - and the drapey bits down the front.

I have a thing for brown skirts in addition to black skirts. This is my "Always Be Upgrading" Best Brown Leather Skirt, not to be confused with any of my other Best Brown Skirts, heh. 
And we'll have a little Flashback on it so that you can see all the ways I've worn it. What fun! 

Masked up - I decided to go with a rosy dark red to pick out the colour in the blouse. 
Gotta have my colour somewhere, right?

Outerwear - it's Fuzzy Flamingo season! Now, there's some colour!
Yes, my coat is named the Fuzzy Flamingo. You'll note that she now has a permanent accessory of my recently fixed articulated salamander brooch. 

Accoutrements: 
I just love a silk scarf, they are so snuggly when there's a chill in the air. 

  • Scarf - Zhensi, vintage, Lazy Susan's
  • Leather/wool gloves - consignment
  • Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 
I always feel close to my Winesday women when I wear these shoes, since they "bought" them for me, with a birthday gift card many years ago. 

Brutalist bling: 
My vintage 1970s Brutalist jewelry collection is growing - the cuff and earrings have that distinctive style. 

  • Cuff - Robert Larin, vintage 70s, gift from L, vintage mall
  • Earrings - vintage 70s, vintage mall
  • Brass/jade ring - vintage 70s, Mom's
  • Steel ring - POLY, Art Gallery of Hamilton gift shop

And now...

Flashback: Ann Taylor Suede Skirt

I found this skirt here in April 2018 at the big Women In Need (WIN) store downtown for $29.95. 
I am a sucker for leather/suede - just look at that gorgeous leather trim! I also really like the front slit - it's easy for walking.

It's by Ann Taylor, and I suspect it is from the early 00s. 
$29.95 is a little high for a thrift store, in my opinion, but I can begrudge them - they are a charity! 

I wore it right away in April 2018. 
That "top" was actually a dress I chopped in half - it didn't work out for me, which is why you've never seen it since.

Another amazing blouse in November 2018 - it has a beaded snake pattern on it.
I love the matchy green tights in this outfit. That blouse was impossible to get off and on, as it had no zipper - it's in Vero's closet now!

Oh, dear, this skirt seems to curse the tops I wear with it! 
This was the one and only wearing of this mohair striped hoodie sweater, in January 2019. It was just not me.

However, the leopard shirt I wore under it - seen again here in October 2019 - is still in my closet. 
It's my Best Leopard Blouse (ever!) and that's one of my favourite outfits - so snazzy! 

I snuck in a wearing of this off-season yellow vintage top just after I purchased it in December 2019.
I love how a brown skirt can just let colourful items shine! 

I adore this "Darth Sheila" outfit, which I wore in January 2021 to stride about the hardware store in an intimidating manner (L is "good cop" in these situations). 
I can't wait to wear that wonderful green Anokhi vest again soon. 

And here is the last time I wore this suede skirt, in June 2021 to lunch and shop with my friend Jen. 
Again, the brown skirt is a solid foundation for other items to shine. 


Mathy stuff: Today's outfit is the 8th time I've worn this skirt, which brings me to an average of $3.74 per wear. As I've now found the Best Brown Leather Skirt.

Are brown skirts a go-to for you? 

29 comments:

  1. HELLO Madame Autumn!! Loving your leafy vibes. I like your blazer and brown leather skirt very much and the skirt really does allow versatility in what you team it up with! Your yellow vintage blouse is really funky and the flaming looks cool. Question....would a flaming eat a salamander in real life?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It feels subdued to me, but it suits my mood. Thanks so much, Kezzie.

      Lol, it took me forever to figure out what was "flaming" and then I realized you meant flamingo! They might eat salamanders!

      Delete
  2. Good morning Sheila, hope you are not feeling so grey today (yest. post you mentioned you felt grey) I am trying to catch up with blogland but real life keeps getting in the way ha ha. I loved the closet swapover post - the jewelry pics were grand. I am loving your outfits lately because I am back in conservative mode for a mo (sorry Sheila lol) change of season here and I just must be warm. Must get some ideas from you . I get the not wanting to be too girly bit and your blouse today is just right. Anyway your posts are always a bright spot in the grey days of winte er Autumn I should say. Take care and coffee is going on to have a browse. Shazxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Shaz, getting there - it's been a few weeks of change in my work life, and that bleeds over into my real life. No worries, my friend - real life does take precedence!

      Glad you enjoyed that and a peek at all my shiny things. I like and appreciate conservative outfits, but fear not, I will be wearing wacky stuff again soon enough. I've veered away from girly styles lately - they do not feel like me.

      Happy to be a bright spot in your days, my dear.

      Delete
  3. I love this skirt on you! I really like the florals and the blazer with it too :) I don't have a lot of brown in my wardrobe - I find it a tricky colour to wear - mostly it's in accessories. But you make it look so easy with all the pairings you've worn this skirt with :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Mica! I have always loved brown and it's been one of those colours that was not in fashion for over a decade, so I'm happy to see it coming into favour again.

      Delete
  4. I'm truly feeling your exhaustion, Sheila. I know it takes some getting used to, especially when work is getting busier at the same time. I too am feeling the need to wear more Autumnal hues. I surprised myself by wearing a tan skirt and a tan tweed jacket together today, and liking it too.
    Your Helmut Lang blazer is a fabulous piece indeed, and I love the playfulness of the frothy blouse with it, offering a nice contrast.
    Oh, and here's the Fuzzy Flamingo, with its little friend, the salamander brooch. What a perfect pair.
    I think I've got one plain brown skirt, which I've just realized is long overdue a wear.
    Your leather one is absolutely gorgeous, and I loved its flashback. My favourite outfit is the one with the matching green tights and blouse. Such a shame it was nigh on impossible to get the blouse on/off. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really does - it's amazing what a difference only one day will make, Ann. I love the autumn colours, and just go with what feels good. You, in tan??

      It's a gorgeous piece - I like the floral with it.

      Yes, they now live together in perfect harmony!

      That's so funny! I love this one too. I know, that blouse disappointed me so much.

      Delete
  5. You look stunning in your business chic outfit. I love that you always dress up.
    I loved seeing your flashback with the pretty brown skirt.
    I feel you on feeling tired. Sometimes the change of season can make us feel more exhausted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much - it feels so good to be dressy for me.

      Glad you enjoyed it, Ivana.

      Yes, it can be rough. I need more naps!

      Delete
  6. Quite liking the October 2019 Flashback and your opening outfit; I find the color combos soothing. This is truly the best brown skirt, with touches that up the ante from a “typical.” Brown is not a color that shows up often in my closet. For Fall I have a dress patterned in creams, orange and brown, a favorite piece for easily 20 years, and a jumper that has green, blue and brown, but no fully brown item.

    When the temps get a bit cooler I will give my Dad’s blazer a try and let you know how it goes! Thanks for the encouragement!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Laurie! I love that outfit with all the browns too. Brown is a funny colour - it's not always in fashion, and people have different associations with it. That's interesting that you have no solid brown.

      Yes, I hope it works out for you!

      Delete
  7. Hope you restore your energy Shiela.

    I love that you have created so many combinations with your lovely, brown skirt. I so love it worn with the leopard blouse and snazzy tights; great look.

    I don’t have any brown skirts, only a few in shades of tan.

    Have a lovely weekend, x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Phyl! I plan on naps, and lots of them.

      I am happy with it - it's been very useful.

      Thanks!

      Delete
  8. That Darth Sheila vest is soooo on trend. Which you don't care. It also looks really good on you.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I bought it because I love it, not because it was on trend. Thank you! I'll be wearing it really soon!

      Delete
  9. You look really elegant in these low-key colours, very autumnal too!. I totally understand you on the trying not to fill up my closet with jackets, it's tempting.
    This is a lovely skirt, the suede looks rich and delightful and so beautiful!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Sometimes I like more muted colours. I always want every cool jacket I see!

      Thanks!

      Delete
  10. I am looking forward to wearing my fall clothes, but it's still too warm here (today it is supposed to feel like 27 degrees) to switch over my closet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We hit high single digits today, brrrr! It's officially Rainy Season!

      Delete
  11. Gorgeous outfit. There's just something so captivating and wildly elegant to me about the pairing of a feminine floral blouse or shirt with crisp, structured business attire pieces. That is a winning fashion combo I'll never tire of seeing or wearing, for that matter.

    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, I do like a high feminine piece with that more architectural look. Thank you!

      Delete
  12. I always enjoy your flashbacks! I do love the skirt with the leopard blouse! It would look fabulous with your rose embellished leather jacket!

    http://marshainthemiddle.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jackets are soooo tempting, aren't they? Always stylish and they instantly make any outfit look smarter. Your outfit is fab.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are so incredibly special, and I love them and hug them and treasure them forever. Please feel free to tell me what you think!

I'm not currently able to respond to comments, but I will make every effort to answer questions. I do read every single one, and appreciate your comments.

Please note that comments containing affiliate links spam-y sites, spam comments and anything I deem inappropriate will be deleted.

Cheers,
Sheila